Bumiputera (Brunei) - Bumiputera and Islam

Bumiputera and Islam

The term Bumiputera often connotes those people of Malay-speaking ethnic groups who belong to the Islamic faith. Indeed, it has become advantageous for Bruneians to convert to Islam in order to truly qualify for Bumiputera status. There are some concerns that members of indigenous groups who technically fall under the Bumiputera category, but do not belong to the Islamic faith, may be under official pressure to convert in order to maintain their rights and privileges. In the 1970s, many indigenous people converted to Islam for this reason. The Bruneian government bans many religious activities not related to Islam, while at the same time benefitting those who participate in activities conducted by Muslim groups. This increases disadvantages to indigenous Bumiputeras who are not Muslims.